My friend said something about a cream to stop it coming back so quickly... can anyone recommend anything?

For gosh sake, read the directions before you apply ANYTHING to anywhere.

As for what you should do, i'd wash that chest off multiple times.

You may have just clogged some pores, or irritated them.

But I wouldn't go experimenting with creams that promise to grow or banish hair.  skin seems to have a will of it's own on hair growth or not.

Everybody wants something different than what they've got.

Next time you feel like shaving your chest, try watching the Seinfeld episode where Jerry does it...and pays the price.

Also, if you just feel like a little grooming, try one of those styling pen shavers... it's less irritating than a real blade or rotory shaver.

The offer them on TV, with subtle hints about cleaning up "down there" without specifically coming out and talking or showing pubic hair.

Well, I suppose there's always the cream hair removers....Neat....Nair....

Ask at the drug store.  They are temporary methods.